Jurgen Klopp insisted it was not a distraction, that he was ‘convinced’ at a positive resolution. But concern over Emre Can’s contract situation lingers.

The midfielder’s deal at Anfield expires in 16 months’ time. With each day ink does not meet paper, his value could depreciate further, in theory.

If the German reaches the summer with no extension signed, it will be just a year until he can depart for nothing. What worked for the Reds with Joel Matip last season – and, going back further, the likes of James Milner and Markus Babbel – could possibly backfire come the summer of 2018.

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A lot would have to happen for Can leaving on a Bosman to become a reality, and it is very unlikely to happen – yet despite optimism surrounding the 23-year-old extending his stay, rival clubs could be tempted to take advantage this summer.

Submitting lower offers in the knowledge the club risk losing their man for nothing the following year is a popular tactic in the transfer market, after all.

That is to the detriment of Liverpool and Klopp as it pertains to Can, but could be used to their benefit in terms of incoming deals.

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LEFT BACKS

Liverpool’s necessity of a left back is clear, with Milner serving there for the majority of the season and Alberto Moreno not trusted by the boss.

Jetro Willems of PSV in action during the Eredivisie match between PSV Eindhoven and Go Ahead Eagles at Philips Stadion on August 17, 2013 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Jetro Willems (PSV Eindhoven): Dutch international is one of Eredivisie’s most creative full backs with frightening recovery pace when defending. Still young at just 22, but has played nearly 200 games in Holland.

Andrew Robertson (Hull): Linked with the Reds last summer, the Scot has been one of the brightest aspects of the Tigers’ season of struggle.

Luke Shaw (Manchester United): Has fallen on hard times under Jose Mourinho and chances of Liverpool and United doing business for first time 1964 are slim, but easy to forget how exciting 21-year-old was at Southampton.

Faouzi Ghoulam (Napoli): Caught the eye in both Serie A and the Champions League this season, registering seven assists across those two competitions. Has established himself at one of Italy’s top clubs.

Mattia De Sciglio (AC Milan): Predominately a right back but capable of operating on the left as well, the 24-year-old has been highlighted for his speed and technique. Milan reportedly rejected a 15million euro bid from Napoli in the summer.

THE LONG SHOTS

Some of the world’s biggest names could find themselves in a contractual stand-off this summer. The hopes of Liverpool looking at them, let alone signing them, are slim to none. But why not dream?

Andres Iniesta of FC Barcelona competes for the ball with Manu Trigueros (C) and Jonathan dos Santos of Villarreal CF during the La Liga match between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio de la Ceramica stadium on January 8, 2017 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Edinson Cavani (PSG): Uruguayan striker with a red-hot scoring record, bagging 27 in 28 league games this season. At 30, the chance may be gone and his wages remain too high, but there is an evident class about him.

Blaise Matuidi (PSG): He would be the perfect addition to Liverpool’s midfield with energy, an eye for a pass and the ability to carry the ball high up the pitch. The French international wanted to join Juventus last summer, but moving to Anfield would still take a lot of convincing.

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona): Just imagine. Now 32, Liverpool would be signing a player entering the veteran stage of his career – but what a career. After 16 years at Camp Nou, he might want a change, though whether Merseyside would be a preferred destination is hard to imagine. If it was good enough for Gary McAllister...

Isco (Real Madrid): Linked with Barcelona in recent days, the Spanish international has failed to recapture the form which saw him make the 30million euro move from Malaga to the Bernabeu. Still just 24, his class is obvious and would improve many front lines.

Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal): Having failed in 2014, it is very unlikely Liverpool would be a desirable destination for the Chilean. Sanchez is unhappy at the Emirates and will improve whichever team he moves to, with Juventus thought to be front-runners. Perhaps a £40,000,001 bid is in order from John W. Henry?

Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan): The teenage goalkeeping sensation. Just 18 years old, the Italian is already in his full national squad and has the aura of a stopper 20 years his senior. Can save a penalty, too.

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THE LEADERS

One criticism levelled at Liverpool often is the lack of leaders, especially in defence. Could these players be the answer to those problems?

José Gimenez of Atletico Madrid and Luuk de Jong of PSV Eindhoven in action during the UEFA Champions League Group D match between PSV Eindhoven and Club Atletico de Madrid at Philips Stadion on September 13, 2016 in Eindhoven, Netherlands . (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Michael Keane (Burnley): One of the Premier League’s surprise stars, he has earned his England debut due to commanding performances at centre back. Formerly on Manchester United, and has won more headers than any other defender in the top flight this season.

Jose Gimenez (Atletico Madrid): Linked with Manchester United, the Uruguayan is an all-action, no-nonsense defender, much in the ilk of team-mate and compatriot Diego Godin. Nowhere near that level yet, of course, but there is a character to mould if Atletico decide to sell.

Martin Hinteregger (Augsburg): Touted as one of Austrian football’s brightest hopes, the 24-year-old has found himself as Augsburg as a replacement for Ragnar Klavan. A left-footer, he has impressed for the Bundesliga side.

THE MODEL

Klopp and FSG are similar in their philosophy. They want young players with plenty of potential to mould into something special. With just a year left in the summer, value would also be checked off the list.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal): Liverpool hold a tentative interest in the England international, who has failed to fulfil his potential under Arsene Wenger. A move elsewhere could reinvigorate his career, with his ability to play in a number of positions particularly tempting.

Keita Balde Diao (Lazio): An international team-mate of Sadio Mane, Diao has been a mainstay on Lazio’s left-hand side over recent campaigns. Quick, direct and tricky, he could provide the penetration from wide areas Klopp seeks.

Sardar Azmoun (FC Rostov): A transfer target in January, Azmoun had no intention of leaving Russia to be a bit-part player. It is clear why clubs would follow the 22-year-old, who has impressed in the Champions League.

Tonny Vilhena (Feyenoord): A central midfielder with the ability to push forward, his signing would be similar to the Gini Wijnaldum mould, perhaps. A product of the Rotterdam club’s youth system, he was close to leaving last summer.

Nathan Chalobah (Chelsea): The Chelsea midfielder had six loan spells before finally making his debut for the champions elect this season, and would benefit with an extended run of games – something that looks unlikely at Stamford Bridge.

Max Meyer (Schalke): An attacking midfielder who has not lived up to reputation over the past season, but with an abundance of talent waiting to be tapped into. He has started just 14 league games this season but carries the ball well, can play across the front line and impressed Klopp with a wondergoal against his Dortmund side in November 2013.

THE GOALSCORERS

Roberto Firmino has been one of the Reds’ star performers, but there is little in reserve after the struggles of Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi this season. More goals will be needed next year.

Javier Hernandez of Bayer Leverkusen celebrates as he scores their first goal from the penalty spot during the DFB Cup Quarter Final match between Bayer Leverkusen and Werder Bremen at BayArena on February 9, 2016 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Dennis Grombkowski/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Andre Gray (Burnley): Bagged against the Reds in August at Turf Moor, and has enjoyed a decent first season in the top-flight. The 25-year-old has scored eight goals in 23 appearances for a Burnley side who create few chances.

Dries Mertens (Napoli): The Belgian has exploded in front of goal this season, scoring 20 goals in just 26 league appearances. Playing in a more central position, his movement has been difficult to defend, and looks primed to meet the demands of featuring up front for Klopp.

Javier Hernandez (Leverkusen): The former Manchester United man never really got his chance to shine at Old Trafford, but can be clinical in front of goal. Did go 15 games without a strike earlier this season, granted, but then broke his duck with five in the following three. Has 10 league goals this season after 17 in 2015/16.

THE REUNIONS

Klopp will always be linked with players he’s worked with before, particularly those who flourished under him.

Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund): Brought to Dortmund by Klopp for just 350,000 euros from Japanese side Cerezo Osaka, he has since played for Manchester United before returning back to the Bundesliga side. Would know exactly what is required of a Klopp side, and has only just turned 28.

Lukasz Piszczek (Dortmund): A staple of Klopp’s two title-winning sides, the 31-year-old would be entering the final years of his career if moving to Anfield this summer. Starring for Poland and Dortmund, he would bring steadiness and experience to the back line.